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Bible Pathways 07/22/2003

2017Jul 22

COMMENTS

July 22

Read Proverbs 8 -- 11

In Today's Reading:

Benefits of wisdom; wise and foolish contrasted

Nothing in life is more to be treasured, more priceless, than knowing the Word of God. As Solomon spoke these proverbs to his son, God is also speaking to us as His sons. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward (deceitful) or perverse (wrong) in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it (Proverbs 8:8-11).

Is it any surprise that Satan seeks so relentlessly to keep Christians from reading what God has written, the only sure way of knowing right from wrong? When we commit ourselves to obedience of God's Word, our first considerations are love, loyalty, and service to Him.

The fear (awesome — profound respect) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding (9:10). This wisdom and understanding covers every aspect of life: physical, moral, spiritual, financial, and our social well-being. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is Mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. . . . I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me. . . . Now therefore hearken unto Me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep My ways. . . . For whoso findeth Me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against Me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate Me love death (8:13-14,17,32,35-36).

The basic difference between the wise man and the fool is in the use each makes of his time, talents, and material possessions. When we rely on God and His Word it will result in loving obedience to Him (3:5-6).

We all are on one of two roads in our journey through life. The road followed by the wise is narrower and more difficult, but it brings happiness, satisfaction, peace, and eternal life; however, the broad road of the fool inevitably leads to vanity (a life of self-interest) and, ultimately, into the eternal lake of fire. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

Christ Revealed:

As the Creator Who prepared the heavens (Proverbs 8:27-31; compare John 1:3). Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine hands (Hebrews 1:10).